by
Larry Rohter

HISTORY

2012

PAPER

304 PAGES

Former New York Times bureau chief in Rio de Janeiro, Rohter explores the history, economy, culture and contradictions of Brazil, delivering an insightful portrait of this increasingly powerful -- and endlessly fascinating -- country. (BZL92, $18.00)

by
Adrian Forsyth |
Ken Miyata

NATURAL HISTORY

1984

PAPER

248 PAGES

FAVORITE

Two uncommonly observant and thoughtful field biologists offer a lucid portrait of the tropics through 17 marvelous essays that introduce the habitats, ecology, plants and animals of the Central and South American rainforests. (GPS13, $16.00)

by
Zagier & Urruty Maps

by
ITMB

2011

MAP

A travel map of Santiago, shown at a scale of 1:12,500 including an inset of the subway system. Plus, on the reverse, a map of central Chile at a scale of 1:750,000 with an inset of Easter Island. (CHI34, $11.95)

by
Rodrigo Alvarado

FOOD

2004

HARD COVER

206 PAGES

Alvarado does justice to the long winemaking tradition of Chile in this narrative, which explores the history of Chile's vineyards and wine production. Ideal for anyone on the path to becoming a connoisseur, or interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this long-standing tradition in Chile. (CHI65, $39.95)

by
Gordon Kerr

HISTORY

2014

PAPER

160 PAGES

A wonderfully succinct history of Brazil which sprints from its indigenous peoples, discovery in 1500 and days as an independent monarchy to the present day. Kerr finishes with the difficulties Brazil faces in the 21st century: economic inequality, ruthless exploitation of the country's natural resources and political corruption. (BZL132, $16.95)

by
Ruy Castro

HISTORY

2003

PAPER

372 PAGES

Journalist Ruy Castro interviewed everyone who had anything to do with Bossa Nova for this animated history, capturing not only the personalities of pioneers like Antonio Carlos Jobim and Joao Gilberto but also the spirit of Rio de Janeiro in the 1960s. (BZL47, $17.95)

by
Simona Stoppa

CULTURAL PORTRAIT

2014

PAPER

272 PAGES

This gorgeous collection of colorful photographs and accompanying text captures the spirit of modern Brazil, from the immense Amazon rainforest to the spectacular beaches of the Atlantic Coast to the colonial architecture of its sophisticated cities. (BZL117, $34.95)

by
Regis St. Louis

CULTURAL PORTRAIT

2014

HARD COVER

320 PAGES

This well-designed coffee table book serves as an excellent, colorful primer to the country and its history, covering the varied landscapes, diverse cultures and regional customs, including Carnival and soccer. (BZL125, $49.95)

by
Neill Lochery

HISTORY

2014

HARD COVER

376 PAGES

This groundbreaking account shows how Brazil flourished into a modern nation under politically shrewd authoritarian leader Getulio Vargas, who used a pro-Nazi stance to exploit the U.S. and bolster his country's economy during WWII. (BZL128, $29.99)

by
Nicholas Fraser

BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR

1996

PAPER

222 PAGES

Separating fact from myth, Fraser traces Evita's life from her humble origins to her place as a revered cult figure, also exploring Peronism and Argentine politics of the 1930s and 1940s. (ARG03, $15.95)

by
W.H. Hudson

by
Bruce Chatwin

TRAVEL NARRATIVE

1989

PAPER

204 PAGES

FAVORITE

A masterpiece of travel, history and adventure, this award-winning book captures the spirit of the land, history, wildlife and people of Patagonia. There's no travel writer as engaging, insightful and just plain wonderful as Bruce Chatwin. (PAT01, $16.00)

by
Alma Guillermoprieto

TRAVEL NARRATIVE

1991

PAPER

244 PAGES

A memorable account of samba music and life on the coast of Brazil by the multi-talented Guillermoprieto. A dancer herself, she lived in Manguiera, a favela near Rio known for its samba school. Nominated for a National Book Award. (BZL38, $16.00)

by
Alexis Levitin

ANTHOLOGY

2009

PAPER

256 PAGES

The latest in the excellent series, the diverse stories in this enticing anthology edited by Levitin introduce Brazil and a host of contemporary writers, including greats like Jorge Amado and Machado de Assis as well as newcomers. (BZL83, $14.95)